You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Shaker-Flat XL, 9' x 8', Black, Clear windows.
Are you tired of rain, snow, and insects entering the garage?
Whether you have a tiny gap or a huge one at the bottom of the garage door, you have a problem. Insects, mice, and other animals may slip into your garage. Once they're in, they can be highly destructive to anything you store in the space.
On top of that, wind, rain, snow, and sand can also reach the gap and enter your garage door. This can cause your electricity bill to increase. It can also create more severe issues if moisture reaches your garage door, floor, or windows.
Have a gap you need to take care of? There are options. We'll share three ways to get rid of the gap in any season.
1 – Check the state of your weatherstripping
What's the weatherstrip used for?
A garage door weatherstrip is typically made of PVC or rubber (although it can be made of other materials) and is placed around the edges of the garage door. It's meant to keep the cold and heat outside where it belongs. The proper seal will depend on the garage door model. However, when it's properly attached, it helps with garage door durability and insulation.
The best weatherstripping is made for easy installation and comes in a rigid rubber or PVC. A u-shaped bottom weatherstripping is a good choice that is adaptable for any door. It can even fight against extreme winds and handle temperatures of up to -62℉ (-52℃).
That is what a U-shaped bottom weatherstripping looks like! Interesting, isn't it?
How often do I change the weatherstripping?
You should inspect the weatherstripping occasionally. If it is drying out, falling apart, or otherwise breaking, you need to swap it out. You can check as often as you like, but do an inspection as summer ends, if nothing else. See if any air is coming in or the weatherstripping has lost some flexibility.
Regular maintenance is essential. It can prevent spending unplanned money and ensure all the garage door parts are in good shape. In addition, it can help with keeping intruders out and ensure your family is safe using the garage.
Adding lubricant to appropriate parts is a great way to round out your maintenance tasks.
When selecting a lubricant, go for something with a silicone base when working with items made of PVC, like weatherstripping. Stay away from lubricants made of petroleum since this option will harden the strip and make it break down faster. The lubrication process should be done twice a year.
● Spring is the best time for the first lubrication. First, look for parts that need to be replaced and take care of them to ensure the door keeps running correctly.
● The second time is fall when you should prepare for colder temperatures. This can prevent corrosion from the moisture that melted snow creates and limit any damage associated with the cold.
Always use a weatherstrip that matches your door. The material quality will vary based on where you make the purchase. It's recommended to speak with a professional about what is the best choice.
The process of changing the bottom weatherstripping.
If you have access to all the needed parts, you can handle changing the bottom weatherstrip on your own. This website includes all the steps to take to get it done right.
However, the better solution for many is to seek the assistance of a garage door expert. This will give you better reliability and efficiency since the professional has experience and knows how to install each garage door component.
2 – Inspect the garage floor
See how you should properly place your bottom weatherstripping to have an efficient door threshold. An inward and outward slope will drain the water out.
Outside
A driveway with an outward slope is the best option for taking all the water from melted snow and rain and making it move away from the garage and out toward the nearest street.
Inside
At the place where the threshold meets the floor, it must be flat and have no cracks. Thankfully, a U-shaped weatherstrip at the bottom of the door will often adapt enough to an uneven floor to handle the rest.
Many garage door seal strips are also available to fill in gaps on a concrete floor that isn't perfectly even. The threshold seal is simple to apply since it's created of flexible rubber. Cut it to the right length and glue it down.
You can also choose a concrete floor finish in your choice based on the needs of your garage. Choose one that is durable and resistant, such as the ones below.
● Epoxy: This creates more durability for the floor and also has a nice aesthetic. Choose a design or color that you like to add some style to the space.
● Paint: Paint can be used to cover up stains. Choose a color that matches the rest of the garage. The best choice isn't slippery and is simple to clean.
● Tiles: For a garage, consider sturdy tile made of wood, plastic, or even rubber. These are a great choice if you prefer not to repair the concrete floor.
● Mats: Ultimate simplicity is provided by choosing a roll-out mat. Pick the material based on the primary use of your garage.
Cracks in the concrete
Various cracks exist and confusing which are the most important to handle is common. Take a look at this blog to find out how different cracks are caused and the best way to manage them.
● Cold joints
Sometimes several concrete batches are used when creating the flooring. These batches may not mix perfectly if one has begun to harden when another is fresh.
● Cracks during foundation settling or construction
Both during the construction of the home and years beyond, cracks may appear. Settlement cracking is a normal phenomenon and not anything to stress about.
● Hairline cracks
These cracks are hard to see and tiny. Known as crazing cracks, they can happen due to improper concrete preparation, post-tension slab, subgrade compaction, or wire mesh.
According to you, what causes this concrete crack? Should you be concerned about it? Image from Pixabay.
Tip 1: While concrete cracks as time passes, it's possible to control where the cracks occur. To do so, create linearly cut control joints so these cracks don't head off in various directions.
Tip 2: When maintaining and cleaning the garage floor, watch for cracks. Decide whether they are based on foundation issues or other serious problems that may be a concern.
3 – Make adjustments to the garage door opener
With everything ready, now is the time to make adjustments to the electric garage door opener. The weatherstripping should be tight against the floor without any crushing when it touches the threshold.
The best way to do this is by checking the adjustment settings in the garage door opener manual. Both the Safety Reversal System and the Protector System should be tested to determine whether the garage door is operating correctly.
If it's simple to place your fingers between the weatherstrip and threshold, this indicates that everything is the way it should be.
You like this look? This garage door is a Cambridge CM, 9' x 7', Ice White door and overlays, 4 lite Panoramic windows.
Speak with a garage door professional
Get in touch with a local garage door expert when you require assistance.
These professionals are certified to install and repair any kind of garage door. In addition, they can handle issues with your weatherstrip or give you tips to do it on your own.
When you work with Nordoors Sudbury Ltd., expect a garage door that resists any climate and lasts for many years!
Updating to a new garage door
If you're ready to update your garage door, the first thing you need to do is determine which garage door style best fits your home. Then, you can use our Design Centre to flesh out your idea.
In addition, we can provide a host of services, such as garage door installation or regular maintenance.
Reach out to us at 705-675-3005 or get a free quote through email!
We'd be happy to help you create the garage of your dreams.
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